I just completed my first ever upgrade of a Mac Mini (Early 2009). It's a Core 2 Duo 2.0ghz. The hard drive started making clunking noises so I decided to try and replace it myself. I watched several YouTube videos on how to replace the drive. With that I ordered a Seagate Momentus 500GB drive.

Everything went fine except for three small things I realized after all was said and done.

1) I didn't pay attention to the screws that hold the drive assembly in place and forgot one is larger. I'm not 100% I put the larger one where it belonged.

2) When disconnecting the ribbon cable, I removed the end from the logic board instead of the drive assemble. I put it back and the Mini booted, so I'm assuming it didn't matter. It looks like it's easier to deal with the side on the drive assembly.

3) I forgot to remove the two foam pads on the old drive and move them over to the new drive. What exactly do these do? I had a little problem lining up the new HD to get it to slide into the connector, so maybe they help with that.

Is it worthwhile to go back in and attached the foam pads or make sure I have used the correct screws in the correct hole?

I also noticed the mini seems to be running warmer than before. I am 100% sure I reattached the thermal sensor to the new drive.

The foam pads are to direct/route the airflow through the mini, and cool the HD correctly. Might be better to replace them. Hopefully, the self-adhesive on the foam is still sticky?

I suggest:
- open it up
- replace the foam (isn't it ONE T-shaped piece?)
- check the longer screw is in the right place. (I don't actually remember there being a longer one - you've got me worried now!)
- check the thermal sensor is still in place.

Then run it with the top off for a few days to ensure all is well. That way it stops you from having to crunch the top on and off again if you need to go back in - always a tense moment!

I guess it will run hotter with a bigger HD in there. You could try SMCFanControl to keep an eye on this._________________Martin at HeadSpin HD now on Blu-ray

The foam pads are to direct/route the airflow through the mini, and cool the HD correctly. Might be better to replace them. Hopefully, the self-adhesive on the foam is still sticky?

I suggest:
- open it up
- replace the foam (isn't it ONE T-shaped piece?)
- check the longer screw is in the right place. (I don't actually remember there being a longer one - you've got me worried now!)
- check the thermal sensor is still in place.

Then run it with the top off for a few days to ensure all is well. That way it stops you from having to crunch the top on and off again if you need to go back in - always a tense moment!

I guess it will run hotter with a bigger HD in there. You could try SMCFanControl to keep an eye on this.

Thanks for the feedback. It's actually two pads on the top of the drive. Both to one side, just one on the top and the other on the bottom. I'm not sure if one is longer, but I'm pretty sure at least has a wider head. I remember when trying to put them back in, one didn't fix into the recessed hole. Thinking back, the head was too big. I will double check the thermal sensor when I go back in.